Buying Guides
20 articles
Decision-focused guides for buying local — the comparisons, the caveats, and the fine print. Whether you're standing at a farm stand, signing up for a CSA, or sourcing for a restaurant, the guides here help you pick well.
How to build your first weekly local food order
Putting together a weekly local food order is simpler than it looks once you know what to focus on. This guide walks through the decisions, from choosing sellers to planning around what's in season.
How to start shopping local food without feeling overwhelmed
Starting with local food can feel like a lot to navigate at first. This guide breaks it down into small, manageable steps so you can shop with confidence from day one.
Local food shopping for busy people
You don't need a lot of time to buy local food regularly. With the right setup, local food shopping can be faster and less effort than a weekly grocery run.
What to buy first when shopping local
Not sure what to order on your first local food shop? Some products deliver a much more noticeable improvement over the grocery store version than others. Start with these.
What to expect when ordering from small farms
Ordering from a small farm or home grower for the first time is different from online retail. Here's what the experience actually looks like so you're not caught off guard.
How to Buy Meat From Local Farms With Confidence
Buying meat directly from a local farm is one of the best food decisions you can make — but it works differently than picking up a package at the grocery store. Here's how to navigate it without second-guessing yourself.
First-Time Buyer Questions About Local Food, Answered
If you've thought about buying from local farms but have hesitations or unanswered questions, this post is for you. We tackle the most common concerns head-on.
A Beginner's Guide to Buying From Local Farms Online
Shopping directly from local farms and growers is easier than ever — but it can feel unfamiliar at first. Here's everything you need to know to get started confidently.